Authors' objectives:

The purpose of this report is to assess the efficacy of rituximab in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and to determine validated indications for its use.

Authors' recommendations: Based on the published data, rituximab, used in combination with methotrexate (MTX) or cyclophosphamide, has shown benefits in rheumatoic arthritis (RA) treatment which is refractory to other drugs. However, additional controlled trials are needed to determine optimal dose, response rates and long term effectiveness, as well as the position of rituximab in the management algorithm of RA in this patient population, since there are no studies comparing rituximab to other treatment options other than MTX. Special attention must be paid to the surveillance of serious infections. It is a drug that represents a potentially expensive cost for health systems. That is why, in the countries where it is covered, its use is reserved for those selected subgroups of patients with active RA who have not adequately responded to conventional treatment with MTX and biological agents or who have not tolerated them.

Authors' methods: Overview

Project Status: Completed

URL for project: http://www.iecs.org.ar/

Year Published: 2006

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: Argentina

Organisation Name: Institute for Clinical Effectiveness and Health Policy

Contact Address: Dr. Emilio Ravignani 2024, Buenos Aires - Argentina, C1414 CABA

Contact Name: info@iecs.org.ar

Contact Email: info@iecs.org.ar

Copyright: Institute for Clinical Effectiveness and Health Policy (IECS)